History is More than Dates

Curriculum Update

History is More than Dates

Often, when people ask what History is, people talk about dates. While dates are important in sequencing historical events, to study History is much more than learning dates.

One particular skill is the use of historical sources which involves the selection of sources relevant to a topic so that the History student can come to an understanding of an historical period from the perspective of the time in question. History students from Years 7 to 12 undertake at least one research assignment as part of their assessments each year. However, source analysis goes beyond just assessment tasks. Teachers develop skills in the use and analysis of sources in each topic they teach. The use of sources is essential in students developing their ability to explain their understanding of History, whether it be in a short test, a formal essay or class discussion.

In their first Depth Study Year 7 spend time learning about how historians work, which involves students learning about the importance of primary and secondary sources. When studying the Black Death Year 8 students examine sources which demonstrate the medieval understanding about what caused the plague and how to treat it. In this COVID-19 Age this provides students with an interesting perspective on just how far medical science has developed, thankfully.

Year 9 students have been studying the Industrial Revolution and have spent many lessons using sources to examine the benefits and disadvantages of the factory system and its use of child labour. Year 10 students have also spent many lessons examining sources about Indigenous Rights and Freedoms as part of their compulsory Depth Study. History Elective students also use sources as they seek to interpret historical issues, with Year 9 using sources to create webpages about historical shipwrecks and Year 10 using sources to create a scrapbook on the French Revolution.

Our senior students continue to develop their skills in source analysis, for both Year 11 Ancient and Modern History this is embedded in their introductory units on the Nature of History. Year 12 students also work intensely on historical analysis tasks which involve creating source portfolios for their core topics, the Cities of Vesuvius and Power and Authority in the Modern World. However, it is important to note that the use of evidence, including primary sources and historian’s opinions is effectively built into each of the four topics that senior History students do for their HSC.

History Extension students also explore the use of sources in their study of The Construction of History and Case Study. The skills they develop in these units are put to use when they undertake their History Project.

Photos show Year 9 students from 9U and 9S studying a range of primary sources to determine if child labour in the factories of the Industrial Revolution was a good or bad thing.

SHERRYL BREMNER HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – HISTORY